The Meijer Simply Give program, set a record in 2017 with nearly $8.5 million in donations, the equivalent of about 85 million meals, to their community food pantry partners across the Midwest.

At the Alpena Meijer, over 87 thousand dollars ($87,400.00) were generated during the holiday Simply Give campaign for the Saint Vincent de Paul Emergency Food Pantry. That equals at least 874,000 meals. According to Feeding America, one dollar equals at least ten meals.

"It’s inspiring to see friends and neighbors come together to take care of hungry families throughout the communities we serve.” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said.

The 2017 total brings the program’s overall donation to more than $37 million since its inception in 2008.